Raleigh Firefly Single Speed

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  • mahesket
    mahesket Posts: 85
    Couldn't resist after picking up the finishing bits earlier. So I stripped it all down and built it back up fully greased and copper slipped.

    A few dodgy pictures to show the result. Still requires some tidying up, but everything works.

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    My cat seems to approve (wife not so much)

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    New chain fitted, I can see this May cause issues when it stretches. Plus currently I have a quick release rear so getting it to stay tight may be an issue.

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    Front end with grips from my calibre two.two and new V brakes. Full set of Clarks inc cables and levers from halfords courtesy of 2 £10 gift cards I found in my wallet from Christmas.

    Then I fitted my lights and took it for a spin

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    This is going to take some getting used too! Narrow bars feel really different, not to mention the gearing 44 up front 16 at the back makes hills interesting. Something I'll have to persevere with.

    Really enjoyed how smooth and quiet the ride is, I didn't realize how noisy all the mechs can be.
  • mahesket
    mahesket Posts: 85
    Took this for its first proper outing this afternoon. 10 miler round where the in laws live in Norfolk. Went really well apart from I forgot to tighten my handle bars up lol.

    The few small climbs were tackled with ease, hoping to get out in the morning on it. Looking forward to trying it for the commute on Monday.
  • mahesket
    mahesket Posts: 85
    Used the single speed a few times now, I really like the simplicity of the bike and it's great for my commute.

    Thought I would throw up a pic of the current fleet (dodgy pic as always). My wife wanted to get a bike so we can go out for a leisurely cycle every no and then and explore a bit of the local area. We were going to get her a new Pendleton as she really likes the look, although sensibly, I offered to sort out an old bike for her to use to see if she enjoys it, before splashing out £300 on something that may not get used.

    This is my sisters old bike must be pushing 20 years old. Refurbed in the end for the total cost of £2.99 (new grips). I have stripped and refurbed the rear wheel bearings, swapped the cantilever brakes for my old v-brakes and stuck my spare tyres on. The bike rides pretty well and the 15 speed shimano SIS gears work a treat, really nice to use, which I was shocked with.

    Let's see how the maiden voyage goes this weekend.

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    Matt

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